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Thursday, August 13. 2009
Perhaps you are like me. You don't watch enough television to justify a subscription to one or more of the premium channels. (My satellite bill has only one extra on it, a sports package that allows me to get most televised women's sporting events.) Given that, we have a problem: How best to affordably watch the Carano-Cyborg fight Saturday night? Always thinking of my loyal readers (both of you), and of course myself, I have researched the matter and can provide the following suggestions:
DISH Network: If you are a DISH Network subscriber and act soon enough, you might be able to watch the fight free.
DirecTV: Here again it might be possible to watch free.
All television services: Showtime has a $25 Cash Back promotion for new subscribers.
Online: $24.95 gets you what may be the best seat in the house: you can choose camera angles during the event. Notice too another freebie: watch tomorrow night's weigh-in free at strikeforce.sho.com.
Finally, don't delay. Your chances of getting a deal will be better if you don't wait until the last minute.
Tuesday, August 11. 2009
In keeping with my undertaking to acknowledge whenever possible organizations that support female athletes, this just in:
Brockton, MA. – ProMounds Inc., the parent company of On Deck Sports, today announced that it has welcomed Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch as the newest member of its Professional Staff Team. ProMounds is a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products.
Through this relationship, Finch and ProMounds have joined together to produce the Jennie Finch Powerline Pitching Mat. The mat’s design includes a powerline that keeps a player’s pitching motion consistent on every pitch, and a slide proof backing that ensures a safe training session on any surface. Finch and ProMounds will also be working together on a number of events around the country.
"I'm very excited about my partnership with ProMounds & On Deck Sports, especially our creation of the Powerline Pitching Mat as it’s an amazing tool for pitchers at any level," stated Finch. "I can carry the mat wherever I go and know I’ll always have a realistic surface for practice. It’s the perfect tool to refine and develop your technique, whether you’re just starting out, or pitching your country to an Olympic medal."
The Powerline Pitching Mat is now available at www.ondecksports.com, along with information on the company’s upcoming event with Finch.
"Jennie’s talent, experience and insight into the game of softball, especially the pitching technique, make her an invaluable asset to our team," stated Joe Murphy, founder and president of ProMounds.
Finch is one of America's best-known female athletes. Her success in softball began in high school where she earned multiple honors. During her college career at the University of Arizona, Finch was a two-time (2001 & 2002) winner of the Honda Award for Softball, presented to nation's best player. In addition, she was twice named PAC-10 Pitcher of the Year, was a two-time NFCA First-Team All American and holds the NCAA record for consecutive wins (60). Finch also helped Arizona reach the NCAA Women’s College World Series in each of her four years, winning the championship in 2001. After college, her achievements continued on the international level as Finch won numerous medals, including gold at the 2004 Olympics and, most recently, silver as a member of the USA Softball Team in the Beijing Olympics.
About ProMounds, Inc.:
Over the last eight years, ProMounds has grown into a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products. Former Division I college baseball player and high school coach Joe Murphy began the company in 2001 with a portable pitching mound. Since then, the company has launched its retail division, On Deck Sports, and expanded its offerings to include netting, gym and physical education equipment and strength and conditioning products. Additionally, its products and services include synthetic grass for high-end landscaping and artificial turf removal, as well as supply. It has also designed and constructed nearly 400 indoor baseball and softball training facilities throughout the United States, and provided artificial turf to groups around the world, including U.S. troops. Based in Massachusetts, ProMounds staff consists of professionals with years of experience in all levels and areas of sports.
www.ProMounds.com
Tuesday, August 4. 2009
In a free society people can act together spontaneously—sans coercion and political strife—to better the world. The folks at Girls4Sport, apparently understanding this congenial yet often ignored truth, do their part to make the world a better place for girls and women (that is to say: for all of us).
For instance, their Pink Store, where 5% of purchases go to the U'ilani Fund; likewise, their Girls4Sport Foundation, which "supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support, and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence"; now, an essay contest that honors inspiring women:
Surf and swim apparel designer Girls4Sport will honor inspiring women with its "Ordinary Heroes" essay contest. Girls4Sport invites participants to nominate the women in their lives—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who have accomplished extraordinary things or inspired others [to] dream bigger and better. The contest entry deadline is August 30, 2009.
"We all have people who've helped us laugh harder, run faster, live better, be stronger and just smile more," says Kim Ruby, president of Girls4Sport. "We want to pay tribute to the unsung heroes in women’s lives and give them the credit they deserve."
Girls4Sport will select three hero stories as grand prize winners. The grand prize winners and their heroes will each receive a $100 gift certificate for Girls4Sport’s online store, shop.girls4sport.com, plus an autographed copy of Dara Torres' new book, Age is Just a Number. Ten runners up will each receive a free t-shirt and grab bag from the online store.
Winners and their winning stories will appear on the Girls4Sport website in September 2009. The deadline for nomination is August 30, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. PST. All participants in the contest will receive a 35% off coupon code good towards any purchase at shop.girls4sport.com. Participants may nominate as many heroes as they want. To nominate a hero, visit: www.girls4sport.com/contest/.
Tuesday, August 4. 2009
According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), migraines affect women approximately three times more often than men. Of course, athletic women are not exempted, and 2009 Women's Luge World Champion Erin Hamlin has suffered her fair share. Fittingly, Erin recently became a spokesperson for NHF:
Having had some success with NHF's Chart Your Course to Relief Tool, Erin wants other migraine sufferers to visit Headache U so they too can begin finding personal relief.
Tuesday, July 28. 2009
Today I call your attention to what seems to me another worthwhile program sponsored by Nike:
Nike is supporting local efforts to unlock the potential of kids and young adults across the country by investing up to $650,000 in grants. Through NikeBackYourBlock.com, non-profit organizations and schools with programs in sports, education, advocacy and/or mentoring are being given the opportunity to apply for grants up to $5,000 in cash and Nike products.
WHO: Any registered 501(c)3 youth-serving non-profit organizations and schools that unlock the potential of youth through sports, which provide educational, mentoring or economic develop activities for youth and women are eligible to apply.
WHAT: Nike is supporting local organizations across the country by investing up to $650,000 in grants. There are two grant opportunities; the National Grant Program, in which an organization applies directly to its nearest NikeRetail location, and the Community Grant Program that operates through Nike Factory Community Stores in Northeast Portland, South Chicago and New Orleans.
WHERE: Organizations apply via: www.NikeBackYourBlock.com and will get partnered with a local Nike community store.
WHEN: Applicants should enter now! The winning organizations will be notified no later than October 1, 2009.
WHY: Sports effect social change and Nike is committed to improving society though youth sports.
There doubtless are many, many youth-focused organizations that could use this grant money. Please encourage any you know to apply.
Furthermore, the program already has a number of deserving applicants—e.g., 3M Track Club, Silicon Valley Glory, Central Florida Athletic Association, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet—that you can support by voting.
Thursday, May 28. 2009
I think it is worthwhile to support companies that support female athletes, and endeavor to that end as best I can with this blog. Today's post comes as a result of HP's (wise) decision to partner with Dara Torres, the ageless wonder, for a new campaign. I pass this press release along to you just as it came to me:
HP and Dara Torres Inspire "Moms for Simplicity"
Five-time Olympic swimmer, mom and businesswoman joins moms nationwide to share knowledge, learn tips and plan for summer
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 27, 2009 – With summer around the corner, children will soon be trading homework for fun in the sun, which for today’s moms means a new set of daily activities and often even busier family calendars to juggle.
To honor these multitasking moms, HP and Dara Torres launched "Moms for Simplicity," a website, online essay contest and photo mosaic where moms can inspire and educate each other by sharing stories about how technology simplifies their lives.
"Today’s moms have more demands than ever that fill our lives, and new technologies are helping to simplify our daily routines," said Torres. "Whether I’m paying bills and staying organized, catching up on TV shows and movies while on the road, or creating fun activities with my daughter, HP technology helps make my life easier so I can do the things that matter to me the most."
In mid-June, Torres will choose three contest winners to receive a personalized HP technology makeover, the chance to meet Torres and see her swim in the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and possibly the opportunity to see her compete at the FINA World Championships in Rome.
The contest, which runs through June 16, asks moms to upload a photo to an online photo mosaic and, in 200 words or less, tell HP and Torres how they use technology to simplify their busy lives -- including digital scrapbooking, keeping in touch with friends, running a business from home, or managing a weekly schedule.
Participants will have their photo and story featured on the photo mosaic, and three will win HP products, including the HP Vivienne Tam edition notebook, HP Photosmart All-in-One printer and an HP TouchSmart PC. Additionally, winners will become "amateur mom reporters" at the U.S. Nationals, where they will see Torres compete and report their experiences on the "Moms for Simplicity" website through a series of video diaries.
"People are looking for easy ways to manage their lives while still being able to do it all, and HP is dedicated to helping them achieve this," said Michael Mendenhall, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, HP. "We are excited to partner with Dara, who is an inspiration to so many people and uses technology to maximize every day of her busy schedule."
According to Nielsen NetRatings, there are 32 million women in the United States who have children under 18 and get online (84 percent of moms online), which translates to about 40 percent of all women online in the United States today.(1)
More information on "Moms for Simplicity" and how to participate in the contest is available at www.hp.com/go/hpmomsforsimplicity.
About HP
HP, the world’s largest technology company, provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions that simplify the technology experience for consumers and businesses. HP completed its acquisition of EDS on Aug. 26, 2008. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.
(1) "NetRatings @Plan," Nielsen NetRatings, Winter 2008/2009.
Friday, May 22. 2009
I'm looking forward to the long weekend, as most of you undoubtedly are. I'm keeping it simple, too, with just three things planned: reading, relaxing, and watching sports (namely, lacrosse and softball).
Shawn Johnson made the biggest news this week, so it seems fitting to end with her. In this clip, she talks to Jimmy Kimmel about her DWTS win:
Have a great weekend!
Monday, May 18. 2009
Note: Today you are blessed with a stay of sorts, a guest blogger. Enjoy!—Rob
In the past decade, women in sports jobs have increased their prominence in the sports world, slowly overtaking various obstacles to get where they are at today. Many sports teams have opened up to allow women’s teams to join national arenas, which has in turn led to a spotlight on women in sports. Establishing themselves in a male-dominated industry has taken years to accomplish, and even now, they are still not at the same level as men in the industry, but have made wide strides to achieve success.
Some sports arenas refuse to have women on their management team because they believe that unless you have played the sport, you cannot help to direct it. This normally only applies to a sport like football, in which few women have ever played for a team (other than a college intramural). Additionally, many teams do not feel comfortable hiring a woman in a high sports position, which has resulted in many discriminatory practices by many teams throughout the sports world. It has become ever more obvious that in order to reach a high spot in the sports world, women need to prove their capabilities much more so than men ever do. The International Olympic Committee has been one group which has taken great strides over the past years to overcome the discrimination against women in sports, accounting for increased women’s sports competitions and more jobs within the company itself that are available for women. These jobs allow women to participate in an international arena, wherein they can dispel myths that women are not suited for these types of jobs. The IOC in general is striving to equal the playing field for men and women within its games and administration to prove to the rest of the world that women and men can be equal within sports; according to March estimates, women now comprise 42 percent of their participants, which is a closer percentage than many sports teams around the country. Their administration also is closing in on equality, and they hope to portray this equality to the rest of the world.
Women’s sports teams (professional and college) were once almost solely run by women, but after the gender equality act, many men stepped into the field which has resulted in an off-balance even within women’s sports. It is up to women to pursue these career opportunities in order to bring the balance back into the sports world; by denying women to participate in football administrative jobs, sports teams are being hypocritical by allowing men to take higher positions in women’s volleyball teams (teams in which they have little experience overall). Women need to gain control over their own sports, and infiltrate into men’s sports teams as well. American sports are the hardest to break into because in order to get to a high career within the sports world, women have to overcome years of obstacles and menial jobs that men would not have had to do. By presenting more and more women to the sports stage, the playing field will have to become leveled, thus allowing more women to get into management positions for any type of sporting event.
This post was contributed by Heidi Taylor, who writes about sports management degree schools. She welcomes your feedback at HeidiLTaylor006 at gmail.com.
Saturday, May 9. 2009
In this arm-wrestling match, we see a mother reminding her son that she is queen, never to be underestimated:
To all moms, present and future, Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, March 6. 2009
This news merits first mention, though doing so perhaps betrays a self-involved disposition on my part. I'm pleased to announce that this blog is now part of the Women Talk Sports Network. I didn't even have to beg; they let me join despite my inferior biology.  This new network is both fun and useful—one-stop surfing for all things related to female athletes and women's sports. Be sure to bookmark it!
Brittney Griner continues to astonish the basketball world. Only two games away from a Texas state championship, she will lead her Nimitz Cougars in a Class 5A semifinal game tonight.
I also have Wonder Woman news. First, the DVD release this week of the animated movie (available on amazon.com). Second, this little tidbit, but I doubt it means anything, much as I like Eliza Dushku.
Speaking of Eliza, have you seen this commercial?
Thursday, February 12. 2009
I'm grateful that an alert reader pointed out this video from Nike's GameChangers campaign. Sometimes the best way to demonstrate the absurdity of a baseless viewpoint is to give it an unfiltered airing, a tactic used here to great advantage, I think:
Sunday, February 1. 2009
Three women will do just that, and you, the athletic woman reading this blog, could be one of them. For that to happen, you have to enter the 'Me, Myself' contest hosted by adidas. Go to www.adidas.com/women and share your training struggles and successes. Then, if yours is among the three stories chosen, you will take part in a professional photo shoot with Candace Parker. Your image will then be seen in advertisements online and in adidas stores as part of promotion for the 'Me, Myself' campaign. Good luck!
I close with an observation. It is a promising sign that many companies like adidas are starting to embrace female athletes and the physical culture now flourishing among women. Everywhere today athletic women flex their muscles; women have discovered that they, too, can be strong. Society must adapt to this. Change is afoot.
Wednesday, December 31. 2008
My title is perhaps too ambitious, for what follow are a mere few of the noteworthy items (selected aimlessly by yours truly) from what has been an eventful year:
Strongwoman Kara Mann showed us how to pull a car.
Aneta Florczyk not only won her fourth World's Strongest Woman title but made it to the Dancing on Ice semifinals.
C. L. Hanson demonstrated that prudery and prejudice often masquerade as feminist outrage, an example of clear thinking set forth in a most readable style.
Candace Parker had a busy year—her first WNBA dunk, and then right in the middle of the first WNBA brawl. But just as memorable, the picture of her towering over David Beckham.
Brittney Griner made it clear that the ability of female athletes isn't so easily dismissed.
Female athletes dazzled us in the Beijing Olympics too; e.g., the awesome displays of strength by weightlifters like Cao Lei.
Finally, the best saved for last: Clara's marvelous video clip, a tribute to Sydney Bristow ( Jennifer Garner), arguably the greatest action heroine ever:
See you in 2009!
Friday, December 26. 2008
Tuesday, December 23. 2008
The original version of "Santa Baby" from 1953, played just as it was then:
The song has been redone many times over the years, but no other rendition matches the original sung by the athletic, beautiful, and remarkably talented Eartha Kitt:
Have a wonderful holiday!
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